On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin.
The Pirates won by a score of 6-0.
Rookie Konnor Griffin finished with three hits (and one home run) in four at-bats.
The Pirates wrote (via X): “.@KonnorGriffin22’s first Major-League Home Run comes on his 20th birthday. How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
Paul Skenes Makes Bold Konnor Griffin Statement
In addition to Griffin’s huge night, Paul Skenes pitched 7.0 innings allowing just one hit (and no runs).
Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote: “Paul Skenes with 7 shutout innings. He had a perfect game through 6 2/3 innings. His career ERA: 2.01 He has now had an MLB-record 23 scoreless starts in his first 63 starts, per @CodifyBaseball”
After the game, Skenes made a bold statement about Griffin hitting his first home run.
Skenes (via DK Pittsburgh Sports): “It’s good to see. First of many. Glad he got it out of the way… The league better be on notice, because he’s coming.”
The Pirates (and their fans) have a lot to be excited about with Griffin and Skenes on their roster.
Jason Mackey of MLB.com wrote: “Konnor Griffin joins Barry Bonds (25th, 7/24/89 vs. LAD) as the only Pirates in the Modern Era (since 1901) with two hits, including a home run, and a stolen base on their birthday.”
Looking At The Pirates
The Pirates are off to a strong start to the 2026 season with a 15-11 record in 26 games.
They are 7-6 in the 13 games they have played on the road away from PNC Park.
Following their series with the Brewers, the Pirates will head home to host the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
The Pirates are coming off another tough year where they went 71-91.
They last made the MLB playoffs during the 2015 season.
That said, young stars like Skenes and Griffin have many thinking that the Pirates could make a run back to the playoffs in 2026.
The franchise last won the World Series during the 1979 season.
Pittsburgh Pirates Star Paul Skenes Makes Bold Konnor Griffin Statement